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**SKSy_Biker** · 09-02-2009, 06:37 PM

Query approved

**atulaherwar** · 09-02-2009, 06:58 PM

Originally posted by tester335 View Post

Hi all,

Towards the end of this month am planning to buy a bike for myself, first ever in my life.

Just for the record: I've ridden friend's bikes since many years and finally saved enough money to afford one for myself. I am not a racer/tourer though have enthusiasm for bike riding.

I am 5' 9'' and 70 kg (average body build).

Budget: Can stretch myself up to 75K - 80K

After reading some reviews on net, i've zeroed on,
1) Pulsar 180 UG4
2) Pulsar 220 DTSi
3) Apache RTR 180

I've some queries, which, if you guys can clarify for me, would help me choose a bike that's both suitable to me and also serve as long term investment(am not talking of a decade here

, at least, say 3-5 years)

Questions:
1) All the above bikes are "not" commuter bikes, so how uncomfortable would it get to drive them in city traffic(Mumbai city to be specific) ? I travel at max 20 KM per day(work-home). Weekends probably a bit more. Also about pillion comfort, what are your views, for the above bikes ?

2) TVS, i've heard, aftersales is worst

. Is it really that bad that i should totally avoid their bikes or is it only city specific ?

3) P220/P180 seem to be on the heavier side(weight), since i've haven't ridden bikes of that power before would it be difficult for me to tame them ? Though am excited to try/learn.

4) P220 specific, wouldn't it's maintenance be costly ? Projector head lamps, tubeless tires, disc brakes etc would definitely be costlier than their ordinary counterparts. I know this is a silly question, but, i haven't owned a bike before, so, i have to ask this

.

5) Pulsar models have only electric start, am very apprehensive about start-ability in cold conditions and after prolonged non-usage of these bikes, any pointers/experiences on this front ? Also it will be horrible if the bike's electric start suddenly fails at a traffic signal and with out kick-start, you can imagine the discomfort

.

Apologies for cramming in so many questions. But, as I've said, this is my first ever. So please clear the clouds for me

choices ...
1st wud be rtr ..

2nd wud be the 220....

answer to
q1. im from mumbai too..... considerin single seater .... rtr n 220 both score lot of points in the department..... 220 has a larger turnin radius n hence city ride n handlin can be a bit of hassle if nt an issue...
while the rtr is amazingly flickable.... n i mean it by being realli flickable.... (no wonder so famous wit kekda riders

)

now pillion comfort...... rtr has a lot of vibration issues...... not fancy but it does gt a lil umcomfy incase u plan to exceed 90 or so ..... no such case as such from the 220 (LAST I HEARD) ..NOT FELT SO ANYWAYS..

so rtr scores here on single seat ride handlin RTR +1
but pillion comfort the 220 scores. P220 +1

q2. TVS after sales services are not bad..... (im talkin as a rtr customer myself) ........ plus point .... rtr's can be serviced in any svc of TVS... while 220 can onli be serviced in probiking showrooms.....

q3.. if u knw how to ride a bike.... p220 n p180 are such bikes that doesnt need some pro to tame it... the bikes are very rider friendly... esp the p220 ... a lil heavy but once u get the hang of it u jus wudnt let it go

q4. COmin to maintainance issues.... RTR spares n maintainance schedule are pretty much affordable than the new p220....... n almost equal to the p180.
p220 does go on a bit high side when comes to spares and services..... but again . . . if u ride any bike well...all u need to spend is the wear n tear parts besides the normal routine servicing ... onli in p220 ... the lights are an issue.... rest assured.... tubeless tyres are better

....

q5. aaaaha.... RTR scores here ...... newaz ...i can very welll imagine the horror..... but thats an issue u cant do much about besides the proper maintainence and some care tips for the bike.....

hope this answers ur queries in the simpliest of words ....... n a hearty congo in advance for the bike ud buy :

**Sarvajit** · 09-02-2009, 06:59 PM

Originally posted by tester335 View Post

Hi all,

Towards the end of this month am planning to buy a bike for myself, first ever in my life.

Congrats on your 1st bike!

After reading some reviews on net, i've zeroed on,
1) Pulsar 180 UG4
2) Pulsar 220 DTSi
3) Apache RTR 180

Questions:
1) All the above bikes are "not" commuter bikes, so how uncomfortable would it get to drive them in city traffic(Mumbai city to be specific) ? I travel at max 20 KM per day(work-home). Weekends probably a bit more.

All are fine for city riding, they are meant for that only.

Also about pillion comfort, what are your views, for the above bikes ?

RTR pillion seat is too short IMO the Pulsars do better in city, but get sore on a long haul!

2) TVS, i've heard, aftersales is worst

. Is it really that bad that i should totally avoid their bikes or is it only city specific ?

You can get good service for any brand/bike if you know how to push things!

3) P220/P180 seem to be on the heavier side(weight), since i've haven't ridden bikes of that power before would it be difficult for me to tame them ? Though am excited to try/learn.

You will get used to it. You need to like it, adaptation occurs unconsciously.

4) P220 specific, wouldn't it's maintenance be costly ? Projector head lamps, tubeless tires, disc brakes etc would definitely be costlier than their ordinary counterparts. I know this is a silly question, but, i haven't owned a bike before, so, i have to ask this

.

Tyres, headlamps etc.will not require maintenance. Disc pads are not much expensive but certainly more compared to drum liners! Otherwise overall these bigger bikes do need more care which translates to slightly more expenses too, but you cannot really compare with a 100cc or so. If you are having the pleasure of riding it, you better be prepared to maintain it. If you maintain it well, you will not have to shell out too much, maybe a couple of hundreds or so more compared to a lower cc bike.

5) Pulsar models have only electric start, am very apprehensive about start-ability in cold conditions and after prolonged non-usage of these bikes, any pointers/experiences on this front ? Also it will be horrible if the bike's electric start suddenly fails at a traffic signal and with out kick-start, you can imagine the discomfort

.

Keep the battery in good condition&it will not fail. Period.

This said, you need to test ride all&I say buy the one you make a connection with. Of your choices, I would prefer the RTR 180 as it is a light&easy to maneouvre bike, good for a starter.
Go slow on the discs, take time to get used to it. Rest will fall in place automatically.

**atulaherwar** · 09-02-2009, 07:16 PM

+1 to sarvajit.......

yes the disc brakes esp of the rtr take some time to get used to......

as he put it...

test ride them all... see wat fits ur persona n budget

**HydBiker** · 09-02-2009, 07:16 PM

good. Another one here and surprisingly the Karizma is missing from the list. Thank you. That saves a lot of OT posts

Easy, flickable, easily serviceable, surprisingly fast - RTR 180
Torquey big boy - P220

The projector headlamps and tubeless tyres are a boon rather than a pain. Disc brakes are now so common that I need not comment on it. For your physique I'd be between the RTR & Karizma. The Pulsar's split seat makes me very uncomfortable as the rear half hits my butt. I am a little over 5'8".

**vipin_s** · 09-02-2009, 07:52 PM

Originally posted by tester335 View Post

After reading some reviews on net, i've zeroed on,
1) Pulsar 180 UG4
2) Pulsar 220 DTSi
3) Apache RTR 180

@tester : Go for RTR 180

Another one here and surprisingly the Karizma is missing from the list. Thank you. That saves a lot of OT posts

@hydbiker :

**pranay** · 09-02-2009, 07:54 PM

Originally posted by tester335 View Post

Questions:
1) All the above bikes are "not" commuter bikes, so how uncomfortable would it get to drive them in city traffic(Mumbai city to be specific) ? I travel at max 20 KM per day(work-home). Weekends probably a bit more. Also about pillion comfort, what are your views, for the above bikes ?

2) TVS, i've heard, aftersales is worst

. Is it really that bad that i should totally avoid their bikes or is it only city specific ?

3) P220/P180 seem to be on the heavier side(weight), since i've haven't ridden bikes of that power before would it be difficult for me to tame them ? Though am excited to try/learn.

4) P220 specific, wouldn't it's maintenance be costly ? Projector head lamps, tubeless tires, disc brakes etc would definitely be costlier than their ordinary counterparts. I know this is a silly question, but, i haven't owned a bike before, so, i have to ask this

.

5) Pulsar models have only electric start, am very apprehensive about start-ability in cold conditions and after prolonged non-usage of these bikes, any pointers/experiences on this front ? Also it will be horrible if the bike's electric start suddenly fails at a traffic signal and with out kick-start, you can imagine the discomfort

.

Apologies for cramming in so many questions. But, as I've said, this is my first ever. So please clear the clouds for me

1. For rider comfort, in city traffic, I would rate the three as follows.
a. Pulsar 180 UG4. It's seating position is the same as the 220 but the difference here is flickability in traffic due to its fixed headlight/bikini fairing, less weight and slightly shorter wheelbase.
b. RTR 180. Again lightweight than other two and flickable in city traffic. Regarding seating position, it is a shade more sportier than the other two.
c. P220 DTSi. Heavy beast at 152 kilos, and less flickable than the other two. Riding position is almost as same as P180 UG4.

Regarding pillion comfort, I suppose all three are not so good and are at par with each other.

2. Aftersales service is a very important issue for most manufacturers. Very difficult to comment on this one.

3. Taming the beasts totally depends on you and how you take it the whole experience. Though the pulsars are heavier, they are also more ergonomic. If you take it easy riding for a few hundred kms, all three bikes shouldn't be a problem at all.

4. Comparatively, yes it is more expensive to maintain the P220. But it has its own advantages as well over the two. By the way, all the three bikes you have come with tubeless tires and they don't require maintenance.

5. Bajaj has removed the kick start from the 180 only after seeing P200 and P220 owners happy with the self start. There weren't many problems related to the starter, and therefore they took it out. Also, in case the starter doesn't work, it is not like you wil be helpless. You can always push start the bike, unless the problem lies elsewhere.

**zayn** · 09-02-2009, 08:38 PM

Both apache-180 & pulsar-220 are awesome bikes you are 5.9ft and 70kg according to me your build is good you should not worried to much about that because these bike are meant for Indians...also
NOW THE BIKES

Apache-180= It is one of the smartest looking bikes on road good mileage, great handling, durable don't think about the resell to much person should buy something of his likening not what the market wants....the siting position in city ride is most important... in apache one is seating bending forward direction...which is more liked position for the racer...

Pulsar-220=It's also a good looking bike looks much of a beast due to its bigger size as compared to Apache decent mileage, good handling,very durable good resell, upright siting position good for city as well as touring.....

It depends on you ...

**abhishekdborngenius** · 09-02-2009, 08:44 PM

I also had the same question in my mind (ditto same) whether to go for the Pulsars or the RTR 180.
After a lot of reading and going through the threads on xBhp (Salute xBhp) I have finally decided to go for the Apache RTR 180 "Menace" this navratri and I am quite sure my decision would absolutely match with yours on a later stage.

So according to me >> go for the MENACE ...

You won't regret on that.

**JOSH5898** · 09-02-2009, 08:44 PM

go for the RTR... it has better VFM compared to pulsar 220.. if its P180 then you can expect a better resale value.. RTR would be my choice.

**rossi_god** · 09-02-2009, 10:12 PM

my recommendation..220, have been riding it for last 2 years. Sold the FI and got the Carb again....

**yash.rsa** · 09-02-2009, 10:40 PM

Just go for p220, its an awesome bike and pretty rider friendly.....I am also getting a one during navratras. Do paste some pics....happy riding

**tester335** · 09-02-2009, 11:34 PM

@atulaherwar
@Sarvajit

Guys, thanks for the detailed responses . Now am a bit more comfortable with the choices available. I guess, as you've pointed out, i should take a test ride to really know which one i feel comfortable riding.

@HydBiker
Firstly, thanks for the answers.
Secondly, no offense to anyone, but, i really don't like styling of HeroHonda/Honda bikes. Karizma, am sure, is a great bike. But looks wise i don't prefer it. Also everywhere i went for reviews, universally, Unicorn had great scores. But again it looks like an age old model. But then it's all personal preference i guess. I do have friends who own unicorns, Hunks and are pretty happy too.

Originally posted by rossi_god View Post

my recommendation..220, have been riding it for last 2 years. Sold the FI and got the Carb again....

AFAIK, an FI engine would be more refined than a carb one. So why did you sell yours and move to carb ?

Originally posted by pranay View Post

5. Bajaj has removed the kick start from the 180 only after seeing P200 and P220 owners happy with the self start. There weren't many problems related to the starter, and therefore they took it out. Also, in case the starter doesn't work, it is not like you wil be helpless. You can always push start the bike, unless the problem lies elsewhere.

ohhh....embarrassingly enough , i didn't knew that it can be done (push & start) with 4 stroke bikes too. This lifts a very heavy weight off my chest. Thanks mate!

Originally posted by abhishekdborngenius View Post

I also had the same question in my mind (ditto same) whether to go for the Pulsars or the RTR 180.
After a lot of reading and going through the threads on xBhp (Salute xBhp) I have finally decided to go for the Apache RTR 180 "Menace" this navratri and I am quite sure my decision would absolutely match with yours on a later stage.

So according to me >> go for the MENACE ...

You won't regret on that.

Any reason you can give for not choosing a pulsar, i understand choices are individualistic, but would like to hear your reasoning. I might see some light too.

@vipin_s
Thanks for the recommendation, But somebody here said that the riding position for RTR is more sportier than p220/p180. Wouldn't that put more pressure on wrists and back while riding in traffic conditions/long distances ?

Originally posted by yash.rsa View Post

Just go for p220, its an awesome bike and pretty rider friendly.....I am also getting a one during navratras. Do paste some pics....happy riding

Yeah....am planning my purchase for the navratris too(though not finalized the bike model).....congrats for your future purchase...and yes will paste pics once i make the purchase.

**vishnuu** · 09-02-2009, 11:52 PM

For city riding RTR will be the best, where as if your thinking of serious touring you can opt for P220. Its projection lights & greater torque are it advantages.

Iam riding RTR 160 from past 16 months clocked around 25k, most of the city riding & occasional touring, never found any problem while handling it.

Coming to the RTR seating position, I never felt any problem on wrists and back while riding in city traffic or highways.

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